Focus on center-forward role, leave Vini on the wing – Benzema mentors Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has been under heavy criticism since his move to Real Madrid.
The French forward is no stranger to be being criticised, as he was often tongue-lashed at PSG for trying to be the core player in a team that boasted the likes of Messi and Neymar.
Now playing for Spanish giants, Madrid, Mbappe has had a very disappointing start to the season with the bulk of his goals coming from spot kicks.
His failure to replicate his PSG form stems from him not being able to adapt to the ‘number 9’ role he was supposed to fill.
During games, he is often seen drifting wide to the wing were Vinicius has been superb, therfore leaving his own position unoccupied
While at PSG, he was known to drift in from the wing, a style of play he also uses when on National duty, but it is hard to see him displacing Vinicius on the wing.
Benzema, a fellow Frenchman and former Madrid player has cautioned Mbappe of trying to much to play on the wing.
He noted that although Mbappe is not a central striker as it is evident in games, he should work harder to adapt to the role.
Benzema, while speaking on the Spanish television show El Chiringuito on Monday night said, “the problem, in my opinion, is that (Mbappe) is not a central striker; even with the national team, every time he plays as a number nine, he doesn’t feel comfortable because it’s not his natural position”
On the left, he’s got someone at his level, Vinicius, so there’s a problem. You can’t play Vinicius as a number nine or on the right; he’s at his best on the left, where he makes an impact in every game”.
“Mbappe isn’t a true number nine. People have high expectations of him, and he’s under a lot of pressure. This isn’t Paris Saint-Germain”.
I’d tell him) don’t give up, because I don’t think he’ll push Vinicius out of position — he’s currently the best player in the world”, Benzema continued.
“Mbappe needs to accept that, for now, he’s playing as a number nine and set aside the left flank for a while”.
His advice to Mbappe comes timely as Madrid are faltering in the league and are set to play AC Milan in the champions league.
